New SOP for coal trading in Barak Valley on the cards

A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: In a bid to revamp coal and beetle nut trading, the State government will formulate a new standard operating system (SOP) exclusively for the Barak Valley. Two ministers of the Himanta Biswa Sarma cabinet – Bimal Borah and Jogen Mohan – met the MLAs and the MP of Cachar, besides the representatives of various political parties and trading communities today. A serious allegation of syndicate-centric inter-state trading of coal and beetle nut in Barak Valley has been doing the rounds for quite a long time. Former BJP MLA from Silchar Dilip Paul pointed the accusing finger at some big shots of the ruling party for their alleged involvement in the corrupt syndicate.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said that since the livelihood of thousands of people depends on the trading of coal and beetle nuts, the government could by no means halt it for a long time. "A new SOP for smooth trading will soon get the shape," he clarified.

Following Chief Minister's directives, Borah and Mohan met people in Karimganj, Hailakandi and Silchar. They also heard the views of traders. The traders advocated for immediate resumption of coal and beetle nut business. Without sufficient coal, tea, cement and brick industries face problems, they said.

Mohan and Bora said that they would give their views to the Chief Minister for the final nod to the new SOP.

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